Parliamentary breakfast & EASN workshop on upstream research
Hosted by MEP Dr. Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, the EASN Association organised on Tuesday, February 16th 2016 a Parliamentary Breakfast in the premises of the European Parliament. Under the title "Taking off to the future of European Aviation; is aviation science still on board?" several Members of the European Parliament (MEP) as well as numerous participants from the aviation community were present to be informed and to discuss on highly relevant topics, such as:
- Academic research for seamless and affordable air transport in Europe
- Intermodality as innovation driver
- Innovation and breakthrough technologies in aviation as an indispensable condition to ensure competitiveness and global leadership of the European Aviation
- Open dissemination of knowledge and breakthrough technologies to ensure trans-sectorial exploitation of innovation
- How to achieve an integrated European aviation education system
The debate was conducted in a very constructive atmosphere with important contributions from renowned personalities in the European Aviation community. The challenge of maintaining aviation science on-board was presented and, in view of the increasing international competition and the new realities of the 21st century, the indispensable role of Universities in the research and innovation chain was emphasised. It was the common view that this role is a prerequisite for maintaining global leadership of Europe in Aviation.
Resulting from the fruitful discussions of both, the Parliamentary Breakfast and the Workshop, EASN was encouraged and committed to initialise a process among the related stakeholders, of formulating a specific concept and roadmap on how to better integrate innovative and upstream research activities in the current EU schemes.
Parliamentary Breakfast Speakers
- Dr. Dietrich Knorzer, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation, RTD-H.3 - Aviation
- Prof. Spiros Pantelakis, Chairman of EASN, University of Patras, view his positioning here
- What is the importance of fundamental research to aerospace Industry in the 21st Century? Prof. Dieter Schmitt, Aeronautical Consultant, EASN honorary member, view presentation
- Academic research: industrial subcontractor or independent innovation driver. Dr. Helge Pfeiffer, General Secretary EASN, University of Leuven, view presentation
- Do the European Universities have the right tools to promote innovative research? Prof. Dr.-Ing Joachim Szodruch, Board Member German Aerospace Centre (ret.)
- What about basic research opportunities within the industry? Mr. Eric Dautriat, Executive Director of Clean Sky Joint Undertaking, view presentation
- Does the European education system have the appropriate mechanisms to foster and promote innovative thinking? Prof.dr.ir. Leo Veldhuis, TU Delft (Delft University of Technology), view presentation
Closer collaboration between EASN and CEAS
CEAS, the council of European Aerospace Societies and EASN, after recognizing the need for better and closer collaboration among the two societies, have jointly agreed upon a Memorandum of Understanding which is intended to serve for the development of a mutually beneficial scientific, technological and organizational cooperation between the two Parties. Among others, the two parties have agreed to the mutual exchange of information related to European Aviation activities and the joint organization of sessions and/or events to promote the developments and popularize the achievements of the sector. The singing act took place on March 15th during the CEAS trustees Board Meeting and the MoU was signed on behalf of EASN by its vice-chairman Prof. Zdobyslaw Goraj and, on behalf of CEAS, by its president Prof. Fred Abbink.
EASN celebrates the presence of women in the aviation and aerospace family with three interviews
On 15 December 2015, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the resolution, deciding to proclaim 11 February of each, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It is difficult to believe that in the 21st century, with so much emphasis on gender equality in the workplace, women are still vastly under-represented in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Officially, there are no restrictions for women to study and seek a career in aviation, however, the statistics might make one wonder – is aviation a men’s world only? In an effort to raise awareness to this ever-present issue, as well as find out what barriers exist and what can be done to address them, EASN has spoken with three very successful Women/role models working in Aviation. Valérie Guénon is SAFRAN’s VP Technology Strategy and you can find her interview here. Alexandra Karanika is the Project Engineer Scheduling of Research Projects at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A., read her interview here. Maria Angeles Martin Prats is Associate Professor at University of Seville, she is the main founder of a Spin Off of University of Seville, Skylife Engineering and you can see her interview here.
6th EASN annual International Conference
on Innovation in European Aeronautics Research October 18 - 21, 2016 • Porto, Portugal
Together with the Institute of Science and Innovation In Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI), EASN is preparing an original programme for attendees to present, share, debate and conclude on the latest science and research achievements. This year’s program will include Plenary Sessions by renowned speakers and Open Discussions with distinguished researchers from the industry and academia. Thematic Sessions housing the 90% of current European aeronautics research programs and Technical Workshops.
View and download the Call for Abstracts here.
Tell me and I forget
Teach me and I remember
Involve me and I learn
With Benjamin Franklin’s motto in mind, the 6th EASN gathering will emphasise into the enhancement of synergies. The structure of the event will emphasise into the enhancement of synergies between researchers through interactive sessions. As such, it presents an excellent opportunity for discussing, networking and creating alliances for future collaborations on a bilateral basis or in the frame of multilateral projects. Participants will also have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the city of Porto and participate in a series of thematic, technical and recreational tours.The 6th Conference is set to be the first to see a purposeful exhibition zone and we are keen to create a unique event experience for the participants. Therefore we are offering, to a limited number of companies, an exclusive and one off opportunity to demonstrate their work for free! This is an ideal opportunity to showcase your work to those who matter for your business as it instantly puts you in the heart of the aeronautics community. Contact us today and find out more!
More information about the Conference will be posted on a regular basis on the EASN website as well as on the 6th EASN International Conference minisite.
Clean Sky Forum “Innovative European aeronautics powering a stronger EU"
The Clean Sky Forum will bring together many Clean Sky Members and Partners as well as aeronautics’ stakeholders and representatives from the European Parliament and the European Commission. This year’s Forum will focus on three main areas of interest within Clean Sky: research centres and academia as a source of innovation; newcomers in Clean Sky 2; and Synergies with regional Structural Funds. Also not to be missed is the Awards presentation for the Best Clean Sky Projects from Partners.
Confirmed Speakers:
- MEP Monika Hohlmeier, Chair of Sky and Space Intergroup
- MEP Christian Ehler
- MEP Martina Dlabajová
- Rudolf Strohmeier, Deputy Director General, RTD, European Commission
- Ric Parker, Chair of Clean Sky Governing Board, Director of R&T, Rolls-Royce
- Joshua Salsby, Member of Cabinet, Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc
- Axel Flaig, Head of Airbus Research and Technology, Airbus
- Eric Dautriat, Clean Sky Executive Director
- Bruno Sainjon, Chair of EREA
- Bruno Stoufflet, Vice-President R&D and Advanced Business, Dassault Aviation
- Hester Bijl, Dean Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, University of Delft
- Peter Hecker, Chair of Clean Sky Scientific Committee
- Spiros Pantelakis, EASN Chairman, University of Patras
- Carmen Sillero, Head of Division, Strategy and Programmes, Andalucía Region
- Katja Reppel, Deputy Head of Unit, D.G. Regional and Urban Policy
- Tomáš Novotný, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade of Czech Republic
- Amedeo Lepore, Regional Minister for Industry of Campania Region